Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Halloween fun is just around the corner here in the Austin area. It time to get ready for fun, but also plan to make it a safe night for the young ghosts and goblins.

Here's a few tips to help your kids stay safe and happy during their trick-or-treating activities, along with local Austin Halloween activities that will provide a safe environment for the whole family.

Costume Safety:

Try to plan costumes that are bright and reflective.

Make sure that shoes fit well, as not all costume shoes are made to fit as well as regular shoes.

Costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

Masks can limit or block eyesight, so you may want to use non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.

Make sure that hats fit properly so they don't slide over eyes.

Test makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.

If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.

Decorative contact lenses are not safe. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as "one size fits all," or "no need to see an eye specialist," using decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. They can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

Go over how to call 911 with your children if they get lost or have an emergency.

From House to House:

Children should never go trick or treating without a responsible adult. make sure everyone has a flashlight. If older children are going alone, go over their planned route and make sure it's acceptable. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

Food Allergies:

If your children have food allergies, this can be a tricky time of year. Make sure to examine candy your children bring home and carefully read labels. Make sure your child with allergies refrains from eating candy until you do so. If the ingredients aren't listed, arrange for a treat "exchange" with classmates or friends. Or, bag up the goodies your child can't eat because of an allergy and leave them with a note asking the "Treat Fairy" to swap them for a prize. Be aware that even if they are not listed on the ingredient label, candy is at high risk of containing trace amounts of common allergy triggers, because factories often produce many different products.

Also beware of "fun size" or miniature candies which may have different ingredients or be made on different equipment than the regular size candies, meaning that brands your child previously ate without problems could cause a reaction. Teach your child to politely turn down home-baked items such as cupcakes and brownies, and never to taste or share another child's food.

Here's some local Austin Halloween events for the whole family to enjoy:

Fall is underway in Austin, and so is the fun! You can always rely on Austin to bring a great time, toe tapping music, and amazing food. Here's a few events coming up over the next month that you don't want to miss.

10/13/18OktoberfestGerman Free School

Join the German-Texan Heritage Society for this annual festival. You'll enjoy live music, delicious German food, a biergarten, fun activities for the kids and more.www.germantexans.org

Come celebrate the taste and sounds of Germany with one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in town. There will be three days to eat, drink, dance and play to your heart's desire at this unfoirgetable party on Rainey Street.www.bangersaustin.com

10/19/18 - 10/21/18FORMULA 1 United States Grand PrixCircuit of The Americas

Drivers from around the world will be in Austin to compete in the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas track. Thrill to three days of racing, camping, live music events and more - including headlining performances by Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder for ticketholders. www.circuitoftheamericas.com/f1

The Mexic-Arte Museum brings you Viva La Vida, Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. This festival is also one of the few in the country with a parade, featuring a Grand Procession, hands-on art activities and artist demos, and a celebration with traditional foods, local artist and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, live music and performances throughout the day.www.mexic-artemuseumevents.org

Introduce your children to the world of live orchestral music with this Halloween Children's Concert. The concert hall will be decorated top to bottom to enhance your little one's concert experience. www.austinsymphony.org

Check back on our blog twice a week for more real estate news, ideas, and local events in Austin and Lake Travis. You can search for the perfect home on our website using our powerful home search tools.You can also get free listing alerts of homes as they hit the market at WelcomeToLakeTravis.com. And you can always feel free to call us at 512-657-4467​ to talk to an experienced agent today.

Summer may be coming to a close in Austin, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end. There's plenty of good times in store in Austin during September (and the tail end of August). Let's see what fun we have in store for the coming month.

Celebrate all things melted cheese as the annual Quesoff returns to the Mohawk. You can indulge in melted cheese from 30 vendors that include restaurants, top chefs, home-cooks, and neighbors competing in 4 categories - Meaty, Spicy, Veggie and Wild Card. $5 admission includes a bag of chips to taste the best melted cheese in Austin.

Celebrate the 6th annual Austin Oktoberfest at Scholz Garten with the oldest continuously operating tavern in the state, the Austin Saengerrunde. Come enjoy beer, sausage, live music and bowling as you celebrate German heritage in Texas.

There's plenty of great things to do in Austin and Lake Travis. Check back on our blog for more reasons to buy your next home in Lake Travis and Austin. You can search for the perfect home on our website using our powerful home search tools.You can also get free listing alerts of homes as they hit the market at WelcomeToLakeTravis.com. And you can always feel free to call us at 512-657-4467​ to talk to an experienced agent today.​

The 4th of July is only a few weeks away, so it’s time to think about how you plan to celebrate our independence in Austin. Austin will be full of fun and memorable ways to celebrate, from the usual fireworks to parades and live music. Here’s a few 4th of July events coming up in Austin to look forward to.

The fireworks at the Long Center for the Performing Arts is where you’ll find families decked out in red, white, and blue at Vic Mathias Shores. This amazing event featuring a fireworks display will fill the city skyline with spectacular colors. Make sure you get there early for a perfect place on the grass.

The Westlake parade begins at 9 am featuring live music, bouncy house games and fun activities after the parade. You and your pets can compete in a costume contest. There will also be breakfast tacos from Texas Honey Ham, cookies from P. Terry’s and ice cream at Northstar Bank. The best part is it’s all FREE!

Come to the Blue Starlite Urban Mini Drive- In’s Independence Day celebration and watch the movie Independence Day starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. After the movie, enjoy a fireworks show on their high definition screen. And you can enjoy this all from the comfort of your car.

Spend the 4th of July with Willie Nelson! Live Nation, C3 Presents, and Circuit of The Americas (COTA) are hosting the return of Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic to Circuit of The Americas. Country music legend and American treasure Willie Nelson hosts one of America’s most celebrated festivals.

Celebrate independence day at the Grey Rock Golf Golf Course and Tennis Club with their annual Stars and Stripes event the first week of July! Members and their friends can buy tickets to get an up-close relaxing view of the event from the 18th Fairway. There’s great food the whole family will enjoy along with some of the best fireworks in South Austin.

Whatever you do this 4th of July, make sure you have a fun and safe Independence Day in Austin!

Memorial Day is almost here. It’s a time to celebrate our freedom and honor those who sacrificed their lives for it. What better way to do that than a parade? It’s a great way for families and communities to come together, have fun, and remember. There are some great Memorial Day celebrations and parades scheduled this weekend in the Austin area. Here’s what you can look forward to this weekend:

Saturday May 26, 2018

Fiesta Amistad 2018: Come to the Old Settlers Association Ground for the 50th Annual Fiesta Amistad You can enjoy food, games, arts and crafts, and a plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Musicians from around the area will perform, including Ruben Ramos, Jay Perez & The Band, Marcos Orozco, Hugo Guerrero y Fanango, and Round Rock Ballet Folklorico along with DJ Primo and Jess Lopez setting the tone during the day. Admission $5 at the gate.

Sunday May 27, 2018

Close Assault 1944: Remember the true meaning of Memorial Day at the Texas Military Force Museum at Camp Mabry with this look back at World War II. This show focuses on the history of the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard during World War II. The program is free and features members of the Texas Military Forces Living History Detachment exhibiting the uniform and equipment worn by the American GI in the European Theater of the Second World War, as well as those of his German opponent. There will also be firing demonstrations of the most famous U.S. and German small arms of World War II, along with displays of everything from tents and radio equipment to GI baseball gloves and mess kits and operational vehicles such as an M4 Sherman Tank, M3 Halftrack and Jeeps. Showtimes are at 11 am and 2 pm.

Make sure to check back on our blog for more great things to do in Lake Travis and Austin. You can search for the perfect home on our website using our powerful home search tools.You can also get free listing alerts of homes as they hit the market at WelcomeToLakeTravis.com. And you can always feel free to call us at 512-657-4467​ to talk to an experienced agent today.​

It's time once again to show our moms how much we appreciate all they do for us. This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, so it s a perfect occasion to take dear mother out to Sunday Brunch. You'll have no shortage of options for a delicious Mother's Day brunch in Austin. There's a brunch for every taste and budget. Here's a few brunch specials you can look forward to this Sunday May 13. Make sure to make reservations now.

Enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch buffet featuring truffled deviled eggs and the seafood tower. Or you can order items such as lemon ricotta pancakes, truffled scrambled eggs, or take advantage of the carving station and desert table. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $85 per person.

For the mom who loves great BBQ, she will love Lambert's barbecue brunch buffet with live music. This mouth-watering brunch includes brown sugar and coffee rubbed brisket, spicy breakfast sausage, made-to-order eggs, a breakfast frito pie and more. $50 for adults, $25 for children.

A more affordable family option can be found at Chicon, where you'll enjoy pastry baskets, pulled pork Benedicts, migas and more. Drinks are a la carte, with $2 mimosas. Brunch will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $25 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under.

Make sure you take time to thank for for all she's done. There's always fun things to do in Lake Travis and Austin so check back each week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Austin. You can search for the perfect home on our website using our powerful home search tools.You can also get free listing alerts of homes as they hit the market at WelcomeToLakeTravis.com. And you can always feel free to call us at 512-657-4467​ to talk to an experienced agent today.​

May is just around the corner, and so are the festivals! You can't beat a great festival in Austin in May, and these upcoming festivals in Austin promise fun for the whole family and for many interests. Here's a few of the festivals coming up in May to plan for.

The festival will showcase contemporary films and videos from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. These films and videos are made by or about Latinos in the U.S. or the rest of the world, along with films and videos by or about indigenous groups of the Americas.

This three-day, three-city traveling festival comes to Austin this May. The festival will showcase some of the most sought-after talent in hip-hop music today, with headliner J. Cole and performances from Migos, Cardi B, Kevin Gates and many more.

A free, family event, the Pecan Street Festival is the oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas. Musicians, food vendors, artists and crafts people turn Sixth Street - historically called Pecan Street - into a lively street fair where there is something for people of all ages.

Come to Carson Creek Ranch for live music, camping, yoga and a variety of mindful workshops at this immersive three day festival. There's music styles for everyone - hip-hop, electronic, ambient, tribal and experimental.

There's always fun things to do in Lake Travis and Austin so check back each week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Austin. You can search for the perfect home on our website using our powerful home search tools.You can also get free listing alerts of homes as they hit the market at WelcomeToLakeTravis.com. And you can always feel free to call us at 512-657-4467​ to talk to an experienced agent today.​

Now that spring is well underway, it’s time to start having some fun in the Austin and Lake Travis area. There’s always fun events to enjoy here. So get ready to enjoy the months of April with these exciting upcoming events in Austin.

4/13/18 - 4/15/18Art City Austin FestivalPalmer Event Center
One of Austin’s favorite festivals, this event features almost 200 national artists, top local restaurants, two music stages and hands-on art activities. www.artallianceaustin.org​

4/18/18 - 4/21/18Moontower Comedy & Oddity FestivalThe Paramount Theatre and other locations
The Paramount Theatre is proud to present the Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival. Laugh yourself silly with some of the funniest, wittiest and oddest world-class comics from around the globe. The festival will be highlighted by National headliners, up-and-comers and local Austin-based comedians for three days of hilarity. www.austintheatre.org

4/19/18 - 4/22/1830th Annual Old Settler's Music FestivalDale, TX
Celebrate American music and art with Central Texas' signature music event. You’ll see and hear Grammy-winning Americana, arts and crafts, camping, food and libations. Swing and dance to acoustic jazz, blues and bluegrass performed by old-time local favorites and award-winning artists from around the world. www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org

4/20/18 - 4/22/18MOTOGPTM Grand Prix of The AmericasCircuit of The AmericasTM
Come to the Circuit of The AmericasTM track for the MotoGPTM. This exciting race takes place with a three-day series at the purpose built Grand Prix venue.www.circuitoftheamericas.com/motogp

4/21/18Weird Homes TourAround Town
Keeping Austin Weird is what this event is all about. This wacky annual event showcases a selection of the most creative homes around town. You can also meet the homeowners who keep our wacky culture alive and weird.www.weirdhomestour.com

Check back each week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Austin. You can search for the perfect home on our website using our powerful home search tools.You can also get free listing alerts of homes as they hit the market at WelcomeToLakeTravis.com. And you can always feel free to call us at 512-657-4467​ to talk to an experienced agent today.

If you're looking for something special to do for Valentine's Day this year, don't worry. Austin is full of great ways to spend the day with your sweetheart. Austin is rife with unique culture, art, diversity, and plenty of special events, activities, clubs, concerts and more. And of course you can find plenty of special packages at hotels and restaurants for a special evening. And you don't have to be in a romance to have fun. There's plenty of ways for people who are “single and want to mingle,” hanging with girls, or having a night out with the guys to have a great time. Here's a few of the best ways to enjoy Valentine's Day this year in Austin.

Romantic Weekend Hotel Packages

This is for couples who want to have a weekend getaway. Even if you live in Austin, you can take a weekend getaway to various hotels offering special packages. Bedandbreakfast.com lets you choose from tons of sweet little inns to get away from the city. Visit BedandBreakfast.com to make romantic reservations for a sweet package for two.

This is a great idea no matter if it's for a family, an outing with friends, date groups, or just the two of you. The 31 acres of greenery set among the Colorado River makes the perfect setting for a picnic of wine and cheese. Or you can dine at the Garden’s cafe. Best of all, these gardens are free to visit, saving more money for chocolates!

Ride a Horse-Drawn Carriage

What can be more romantic than taking a ride through downtown in a horse-drawn carriage? Die Gelbe Rose Carriage and Austin Carriage both offer great deals. This is also a great idea for the family, especially the kids. Bring some flowers and enjoy the ride!

Climb aboard this special Hill Country Flyer or the Valentine's Day Dinner Train to celebrate Valentine’s Day. They will take you on a romantic ride through the Texas Hill Country, crossing the South San Gabriel River and Short Creek Canyon. During the two hour layover in Burnet you can enjoy lunch and shopping on your own, a leisurely stroll around the historic town square and the Wild West Gunfight (weather permitting). Adult-only cars and family friendly cars are available. Or take a ride on the Valentine’s Day dinner train and enjoy handcrafted premium wines from The Austin Winery at the three course wine pairing dinner.

Want to learn more about what makes Austin and Lake Travis such a great place to live? Check back on our blog every week for more fun things to do in Austin!

Where has the year gone? It's hard to believe, but another year has come and gone, and now it's time to celebrate a new year in Austin. If you haven't already made plans, the there's a number of great ways coming up in Austin to help you celebrate. Here's a few events coming up that you're sure to enjoy.

This free event has it all - food trucks, fun for the kids, art installations, and best of all, a grand fireworks display over Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake. Enjoy live music from Tomar and the FCS, Brownout, Magna Carda and Ian Moore Band.

The Omni Austin Hotel is hosting one of the most upscale New Year's Eve parties in Austin. Take a trip back to the roaring 20's as you dance the night away toDJ Tony Styles alongside a supporting cast of all-star deejays. Enjoy premium drinks from a fully stocked prepaid bar and multiple courses of hors d'œuvres. Throw on your best 20's attire and get ready to have the time of the year.

The Rooftop on Sixth​ is hosting the ultimate NYE celebration. Come party at the hottest bar on E 6th St. It's the biggest balloon drop in Austin, with complimentary champagne at midnight. Make sure to reserve early to save money.